Lack of Language Proficiency Results in Achievement Gap

Studies of the language proficiency of young children and its relationship to achievement in school have found a strong correlation between early language development and success in school. A groundbreaking study by Hart and Risley found that in families of various socio-economic levels, there were large differences in the number and quality of parent-child interactions.

After four years these differences in parent-child interactions produced significant discrepancies in not only children’s knowledge, but also their skills and experiences with children from high-income families being exposed to 30 million more words than children from families on welfare. Follow-up studies showed that these differences in language and interaction experiences have lasting effects on a child’s performance later in life. (Hart, B. & Risley, T.R. “The Early Catastrophe” (2004). Education Review, 77 (1), 100-118) The Early Catastrophe – The 30 Million Word Gap by Age 3

GrapeSEED helps close the achievement gap:

Independent studies have shown GrapeSEED helps minority English learners reduce or close the achievement gap between themselves and students in majority groups.

National research shows children typically take 6-8 years to reach grade level proficiency. GrapeSEED students, however, reached English proficiency in speaking and reading in just 2-3 years!

GrapeSEED promotes literacy development in all English learners, including English Language Learners (ELL) students, English as a Second Language (ESL) students, and other Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students and struggling readers.

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